Ferrari’s beautiful new “California”
May 13, 2008 by Anthony Crawford
“Even if you have a thing for Lamborghini, and I do, you have to like the new Ferrari California”
- By Anthony Crawford
You all know what the original Ferrari California looks like, right? That is, those of you who have seen that iconic American comedy movie, “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”, and who hasn’t.
The star of that movie was a Ferrari California; one of the most beautiful Ferrari’s ever made. Well, that’s what the movie car looked like at least, but was in fact, a kit car based on an MG chassis, or so the story goes. Why would the moviemakers have engaged in such outright blasphemy you ask? Beacause the US$2.5 million asking price for an authentic example, may not have been budgeted for.
The new Ferrari California is more than just a stunning looker. It’s also a supercar with performance to boot.
Powered by a 4.3-litre, direct injection V8 engine that, for the first time in Ferrari’s history, is mid-front mounted and good enough to see 0-100km/h in less than 4.0 seconds.
Gearshifts are via a 7-speed dual clutch transmission with F1-Trac traction control, the same system as employed on the glorious 599 GTB Fiorano.
Standard spec will also include Brembo Carbon Ceramic brakes, which should bring the folding hard top spyder to a very sudden halt, indeed.
Like the rest of the Ferrari fleet, the California will be relatively light. An Aluminium chassis and body panels will see to that.
This Ferrari beauty will be revealed to the public at the Paris Motor show in October this year, but stay tuned to CarAdvice.com.au for more pics and details of the car shortly.
Print it: 
Nice, Red Loud and dripping Ferrari and looking very American but its not the internet release Ferrari thats a Grand Tourer.
Can’t wait to see more piccies, When you Guys getting your hands on it.
What a great looking side profile!
It’s got isF-like quad exhausts… which I think look rather odd on this car.
Im confused. Is this the GT or not? It doesnt loo very GTish. And im not sure about a folding hardtop knowing what Ferraris electrcs are like (I used to own an F360). Still, I might buy one if the reviews are good because I miss my Ferrari. It had so much personality and character.
Ferrari have excelled themselves – this car is exceptionally beautiful.
Quality.
It should be law that this car ONLY comes in red.
Anyone else think this is a dead-ringer for the Alfa’ 8C Spyder?
It’s like they got a huge sheet of butcher’s paper and carefully traced around it…
Beautiful style, the grille, however, looks a bit Pug.
Nice :)
This looks like a girl car. I lke Ferrari’s, in fact i have a framed picture on my work desk but this reminds me of the lexus girls car that i can’t remember the name of.
One problem with this is that although they are still beautiful, the 8c and the california look very similar. I just hope that Italian design doesnt get a look like the japanese have because italians are supposed to change.
Looks like a hint of Aston Martin in the snout and Honda S2000 in the side lines. Or is that just me?
Oh Look an Italian version of the MX-5
Ummm, is it just me or are there only 2 seats in these pictures? Unless the other two passengers are meant to sit in the boot.
hint of aston in the nose and just a generally ugly front -_-
at least looks good from the side
Looks like a Pug – Reckless you been drinking too much
Reckless1, I am with you. The first thint that struck me was that the grille looked Pug. My second thought was who cares . This things hot